Lifestyles

What to do in June? Barbera in Amador; Bikinis and barbecues in Yountville

By Jessica Yadegaran

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
06/04/2014 12:00:00 PM PDT

Updated:
06/05/2014 01:42:32 PM PDT

Janet Fletcher, the fromage queen, teaches classes August through November at Hall Wines in St. Helena. (Janet Fletcher)

Barbera bash: If you didn't score tickets to Amador's sold-out Barbera Festival on June 14, no need to fret. The region's wineries, which farm a total of 211 acres of the ancient Italian grape, are devoting the entire month of June to barbera, with a slew of events, including a library barbera tasting at Vino Noceto, discounts on barbera at Nine Gables and a vertical tasting of barrel-select barberas at Sera Fina Cellars. These folks are dedicated. Instead of using the grape purely as a blending wine, almost every winery in the 40-member Amador Vintners Association bottles a single-varietal barbera. Details: www.amadorwine.com.

Summer in Yountville: This Napa enclave is so happening, June alone is packed with multiple, glorious wine-themed activities. Makes sense, as Yountville is home to the valley's first grapevines (planted in 1838, history buffs). Not bad for a town that's one mile long.

Anyhoo, a taste: On the last Thursday of June (July and August, too), party poolside with summer cocktails from 6 to 8 p.m. on the roof at the chic Bardessono (www.bardessono.com). As a bonus, Jessup Cellars will be pouring signature red and white wines during a live swimsuit fashion show on June 26.

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Hungry? Chow down with locals at the Friday summer barbecues on the patio at Hurley's Restaurant, beginning June 20 through Aug. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone brings a bottle of wine to share at the community table while chatting with chef Bob Hurley at the grill. Try all the other wines as you dine. $30. www.hurleysrestaurant.com.

Fletcher on fromage: Can you tell a blooming rind from a washed rind, or a triple crème from a tomme? Napa Valley's Janet Fletcher, author of "Cheese & Wine," "Cheese & Beer" and the Planet Cheese newsletter, wants to help you master your cheesiness with four classes at Hall Wines' new tasting room and kitchen in St. Helena.

Topics include cheese lingo and shopping mastery (Aug. 5) and rind 101 (Sept. 2). Classes will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month from August through November and will begin with a half-hour wine reception, followed by a sit-down cheese tasting. Details: $60 per class; $225 for all four classes. 401 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. www.hallwines.com.